To his place, i.e. to Mesopotamia. Object: He went only to Midian, where he was slain, Numbers 31:8. Answ.
1. He is said to return home, because he intended and began to do so, though he was diverted by the Midianites; for men in Scripture are oft said to do what they design or attempt to do, as Exodus 8:18 Numbers 14:40. Answ.
2. He did go home first, though afterwards he returned to the Midianites, either because they sent for him, or to recover his lost credit, and to do that by policy which he could not do by charms, to which purpose he gave them that devilish counsel which was put in practice, Num 25, and that by his advice, Numbers 31:16 Revelation 2:14.